U.S. patent application number 14/649304 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-22 for field display system, field display method, and field display program.
This patent application is currently assigned to NEC Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is NEC CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Hiroo IKEDA.
Application Number | 20150304568 14/649304 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50883062 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150304568 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
IKEDA; Hiroo |
October 22, 2015 |
FIELD DISPLAY SYSTEM, FIELD DISPLAY METHOD, AND FIELD DISPLAY
PROGRAM
Abstract
A field display system is provided which can intelligibly
present to a user a range in which a camera can capture an image of
an entire target to be monitored or a certain part or more of the
target to be monitored. A projecting unit 5 projects a position in
an image captured by a camera, on a plurality of monitoring domains
obtained by moving, in parallel, a region to be monitored which
defines a range to be checked for an image capturing situation of
the camera, the monitoring domain being determined based on a
height of a target to be monitored, an image of which is captured
by the camera, and specifies fields of the plurality of monitoring
domains as a range an image of which the camera can capture without
being blocked by an obstacle. An integrating unit 6 integrates the
fields in the monitoring domains. The display control unit 7 causes
the display apparatus to display an integration result of the
fields.
Inventors: |
IKEDA; Hiroo; (Tokyo,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NEC CORPORATION |
Minato-ku, Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
NEC Corporation
Minato-ku, Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
50883062 |
Appl. No.: |
14/649304 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
November 29, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2013/007024 |
371 Date: |
June 3, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/222.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/23296 20130101;
G06K 9/00771 20130101; G06T 3/00 20130101; G06K 9/46 20130101; H04N
5/247 20130101; H04N 5/232945 20180801; H04N 9/3194 20130101; H04N
5/265 20130101; G06K 2009/4666 20130101; G06K 9/52 20130101; H04N
7/18 20130101; H04N 5/23222 20130101; H04N 5/23293 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/232 20060101
H04N005/232; H04N 5/265 20060101 H04N005/265; G06T 7/00 20060101
G06T007/00; G06T 3/00 20060101 G06T003/00; G06K 9/46 20060101
G06K009/46; G06K 9/52 20060101 G06K009/52 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 6, 2012 |
JP |
2012-267552 |
Claims
1. A field display system comprising: a projecting unit configured
to project a position in an image captured by a camera, on a
plurality of monitoring domains obtained by moving, in parallel, a
region to be monitored which defines a range to be checked for an
image capturing situation of the camera, the monitoring domain
being determined based on a height of a target to be monitored, an
image of which is captured by the camera, and to specify fields of
the plurality of monitoring domains as a range an image of which
the camera captures without being blocked by an obstacle; an
integrating unit configured to integrate the fields in the
monitoring domains; and a display control unit configured to cause
a display apparatus to display an integration result of the
fields.
2. The field display system according to claim 1, wherein the
integrating unit extracts a region corresponding to a field of each
monitoring domain as the integration result of the fields per
camera, and the display control unit causes the display apparatus
to display the extracted region per camera.
3. The field display system according to claim 1, wherein the
integrating unit comprises a field rate calculating unit configured
to perform, per camera, processing of calculating a field rate
which is a ratio of the number of monitoring domains, positions of
which belong to the fields, to a total number of monitoring
domains, per position outside a range in the region to be monitored
in which the obstacle exists, and the display control unit causes
the display apparatus to display, per camera, a region
corresponding to each field rate in the region to be monitored
according to a mode which supports the field rate.
4. The field display system according to claim 3, wherein the
integrating unit comprises a cover rate calculating unit configured
to calculate, per camera, a cover rate which is a ratio of a sum of
calculated field rates, to the number of positions, field rates of
which have been calculated in the region to be monitored, and the
display control unit causes the display apparatus to display the
cover rate of each camera.
5. The field display system according to claim 3, wherein the
display control unit causes the display apparatus to highlight a
region corresponding to a field rate falling within a specified
numerical value range.
6. The field display system according to claim 1, wherein the
integrating unit comprises: a field rate calculating unit
configured to perform, per camera, processing of calculating a
field rate which is a ratio of the number of monitoring domains,
positions of which belong to the fields, to a total number of
monitoring domains, per position outside a range in the region to
be monitored in which the obstacle exists; and an average field
rate calculating unit configured to calculate, per position outside
the range in the region to be monitored in which the obstacle
exists, an average field rate which is an average value of field
rates of predetermined top rank orders out of field rates
calculated per camera for the position, and the display control
unit causes the display apparatus to display a region corresponding
to each average field rate in the region to be monitored according
to a mode which supports the average field rate.
7. The field display system according to claim 6, wherein the
integrating unit comprises a cover rate calculating unit configured
to calculate a cover rate which is a ratio of a sum of calculated
average field rates to the number of positions, field rates of
which have been calculated in the region to be monitored, and the
display control unit causes the display apparatus to display the
cover rate.
8. The field display system according to claim 6, wherein the
display control unit causes the display apparatus to highlight a
region corresponding to an average field rate falling within a
specified numerical value range.
9. A field display system comprising: a projecting unit configured
to project a position in an image captured by a camera, on a
plurality of monitoring domains obtained by moving, in parallel, a
region to be monitored which defines a range to be checked for an
image capturing situation of the camera, the monitoring domain
being determined based on a height of a target to be monitored, an
image of which is captured by the camera, and to specify fields of
the plurality of monitoring domains as a range an image of which
the camera captures without being blocked by an obstacle; a
segmenting unit configured to segment each monitoring domain based
on how many fields of cameras each monitoring domain corresponds
to; and a display control unit configured to cause the display
apparatus to display each monitoring domain to display a region
segmented in an individual monitoring domain according to a mode
which supports the number of cameras which include the region in
the fields.
10. The field display system according to claim 9, wherein the
display control unit causes the display apparatus to arrange and
display each monitoring domain as a top view.
11. The field display system according to claim 9, wherein the
display control unit causes the display apparatus to display a
perspective view in which each monitoring domain is arranged in a
three-dimensional space.
12. The field display system according to claim 9, wherein the
display control unit causes the display apparatus to display a
perspective view in which each monitoring domain is arranged in a
three-dimensional space, and a larger three-dimensional object is
arranged in the region segmented in the monitoring domain as the
number of cameras which include the region in the fields is
higher.
13. The field display system according to claim 9, wherein the
display control unit causes the display apparatus to highlight a
region included in fields of a specified number of cameras.
14. The field display system according to claim 13, further
comprising: a cover rate calculating unit configured to calculate a
cover rate which is a ratio of an area of the highlighted region to
an area of a monitoring domain, wherein the display control unit
causes the display apparatus to display the cover rate.
15. The field display system according to claim 14, wherein the
cover rate calculating unit calculates the cover rate per
monitoring domain, and the display control unit causes the display
apparatus to display the cover rate of each monitoring domain.
16. The field display system according to claim 14, wherein the
cover rate calculating unit calculates, as the cover rate, a ratio
of a total sum of areas of regions highlighted in the monitoring
domains, to a total sum of areas of the monitoring domains, and the
display control unit causes the display apparatus to display the
cover rate.
17. A field display method comprising: projecting a position in an
image captured by a camera, on a plurality of monitoring domains
obtained by moving, in parallel, a region to be monitored which
defines a range to be checked for an image capturing situation of
the camera, the monitoring domain being determined based on a
height of a target to be monitored, an image of which is captured
by the camera, and specifying fields of the plurality of monitoring
domains as a range an image of which the camera captures without
being blocked by an obstacle; integrating the fields in the
monitoring domains; and causing a display apparatus to display an
integration result of the fields.
18. A field display method comprising: projecting a position in an
image captured by a camera, on a plurality of monitoring domains
obtained by moving, in parallel, a region to be monitored which
defines a range to be checked for an image capturing situation of
the camera, the monitoring domain being determined based on a
height of a target to be monitored, an image of which is captured
by the camera, and specifying fields of the plurality of monitoring
domains as a range an image of which the camera captures without
being blocked by an obstacle; segmenting each monitoring domain
based on how many fields of cameras each monitoring domain
corresponds to; and causing the display apparatus to display each
monitoring domain to display a region segmented in an individual
monitoring domain according to a mode which supports the number of
cameras which include the region in the fields.
19. A computer readable recording medium in which a field display
program is recorded, the field display program causing a computer
to execute: projection processing of projecting a position in an
image captured by a camera, on a plurality of monitoring domains
obtained by moving, in parallel, a region to be monitored which
defines a range to be checked for an image capturing situation of
the camera, the monitoring domain being determined based on a
height of a target to be monitored, an image of which is captured
by the camera, and specifying fields of the plurality of monitoring
domains as a range an image of which the camera captures without
being blocked by an obstacle; integration processing of integrating
the fields in the monitoring domains; and display control
processing of causing a display apparatus to display an integration
result of the fields.
20. A computer readable recording medium in which a field display
program is recorded, the field display program causing a computer
to execute: projection processing of projecting a position in an
image captured by a camera, on a plurality of monitoring domains
obtained by moving, in parallel, a region to be monitored which
defines a range to be checked for an image capturing situation of
the camera, the monitoring domain being determined based on a
height of a target to be monitored, an image of which is captured
by the camera, and specifying fields of the plurality of monitoring
domains as a range an image of which the camera captures without
being blocked by an obstacle; segmentation processing of segmenting
each monitoring domain based on how many fields of cameras each
monitoring domain corresponds to; and display control processing of
causing a display apparatus to display each monitoring domain to
display a region segmented in an individual monitoring domain
according to a mode which supports the number of cameras which
include the region in the fields.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a field display system, a
field display method and a field display program which specify a
field of a camera which can capture an image of a target to be
monitored well and display this field.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique of displaying an
image capturing range of a camera. According to the technique
disclosed in Patent Literature 1, when, for example, a camera
position is specified on a top view of a predetermined area
displayed on a display apparatus, a horizontal field of view, which
is a projected image capturing range of the camera, is displayed on
this top view, and a vertical field of view, which includes an
optical axis of the camera and is a field of view of the camera in
a plane vertical to a horizontal plane, is displayed in an
elevation view. FIG. 34 is a schematic view illustrating a
horizontal field of view and a vertical field of view displayed by
the technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1.
[0003] According to the technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1,
when, for example, a camera position is specified on a top view
100, a camera indicator 101 representing a camera is displayed on
the top view 100. Further, a user adjusts the height of the camera
by dragging a camera indicator 111 displayed in an elevation view
107. When the camera position is specified, the calculated
horizontal field of view 105 is displayed on the top view 100, and
the vertical field of view 115 is displayed on the elevation view
107. The vertical field of view 115 includes an optical axis 110 of
the camera. Further, when an icon of a person is dragged and
dropped on the top view 100, a person indicator 102 is displayed at
this position, and a person indicator 112 is also displayed in the
elevation view 107. Similarly, by specifying a position at which a
wall as an obstacle for the camera exists, a wall indicator 103 is
displayed in the top view. In addition, in FIG. 34, a person
indicator in the top view 100 is assigned a reference numeral
"102", and a person indicator in the elevation view 107 is assigned
a reference numeral "112".
[0004] According to the technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1,
the above display is provided to present a relationship between
fields of view of the camera, and a wall and a person in a
predetermined area to adjust an arrangement position of the
camera.
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0005] PLT 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2009-239821
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0006] However, according to the technique disclosed in Patent
Literature 1, it is not possible to explicitly display a range in
which the camera can capture an image of the entire target to be
monitored (a person in this example). For example, in the top view
100 illustrated in FIG. 34, the person indicator 102 is within the
horizontal field of view 105. However, this does not necessarily
mean that the camera can capture an image of the entirety of the
person. In an example illustrated in FIG. 34, only a portion
corresponding to the feet of the person indicator 112 in the
elevation view 107 is within the vertical field of view 115. Hence,
only an image of the feet of the person is captured. To find a
range in which the camera can capture an image of the entirety of
the person, it is necessary to manually drag the person indicator
102, check both of the top view 100 and the elevation view 107 and
specify a range in which the person indicator is included in both
of the horizontal field of view 105 and the vertical field of view
115. Further, it is preferable to determine an optimal arrangement
state of the camera so as to maximize a range in which the camera
captures an image of the entirety of the person. However, according
to the technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1, to specify such
a range, while changing the arrangement state of the camera, a
range in which the camera can capture an image of the entirety of a
person is manually specified. Hence, an operation burden is heavy,
and it is difficult to determine an optimal arrangement state of
the camera. Particularly when there is a plurality of cameras, it
is more difficult to adjust each camera in a good arrangement
state.
[0007] Further, according to the technique disclosed in Patent
Literature 1, only the vertical field of view 115 in the plane
including the optical axis 110 is displayed as the vertical field
of view 115. Hence, even when an obstacle such as the wall
indicator 103 is arranged in a direction other than the optical
axis in the top view 100, it is not possible to explicitly display
whether a person hides behind this obstacle.
[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a field display system, a field display method and a field
display program which can intelligibly present to a user a range in
which a camera can capture an image of an entire target to be
monitored or a certain part or more of the target to be
monitored.
Solution to Problem
[0009] A field display system according to the present invention
includes: projecting means configured to project a position in an
image captured by a camera, on a plurality of monitoring domains
obtained by moving, in parallel, a region to be monitored which
defines a range to be checked for an image capturing situation of
the camera, the monitoring domain being determined based on a
height of a target to be monitored, an image of which is captured
by the camera, and to specify fields of the plurality of monitoring
domains as a range an image of which the camera captures without
being blocked by an obstacle; integrating means configured to
integrate the fields in the monitoring domains; and display control
means configured to cause a display apparatus to display an
integration result of the fields.
[0010] Further, a field display system according to the present
invention includes: projecting means configured to project a
position in an image captured by a camera, on a plurality of
monitoring domains obtained by moving, in parallel, a region to be
monitored which defines a range to be checked for an image
capturing situation of the camera, the monitoring domain being
determined based on a height of a target to be monitored, an image
of which is captured by the camera, and to specify fields of the
plurality of monitoring domains as a range an image of which the
camera captures without being blocked by an obstacle; segmenting
means configured to segment each monitoring domain based on how
many fields of cameras each monitoring domain corresponds to; and
display control means configured to cause the display apparatus to
display each monitoring domain to display a region segmented in an
individual monitoring domain according to a mode which supports the
number of cameras which include the region in the fields.
[0011] Further, a field display method according to the present
invention includes: projecting a position in an image captured by a
camera, on a plurality of monitoring domains obtained by moving, in
parallel, a region to be monitored which defines a range to be
checked for an image capturing situation of the camera, the
monitoring domain being determined based on a height of a target to
be monitored, an image of which is captured by the camera, and
specifying fields of the plurality of monitoring domains as a range
an image of which the camera captures without being blocked by an
obstacle; integrating the fields in the monitoring domains; and
causing a display apparatus to display an integration result of the
fields.
[0012] Furthermore, a field display method according to the present
invention includes: projecting a position in an image captured by a
camera, on a plurality of monitoring domains obtained by moving, in
parallel, a region to be monitored which defines a range to be
checked for an image capturing situation of the camera, the
monitoring domain being determined based on a height of a target to
be monitored, an image of which is captured by the camera, and
specifying fields of the plurality of monitoring domains as a range
an image of which the camera captures without being blocked by an
obstacle; segmenting each monitoring domain based on how many
fields of cameras each monitoring domain corresponds to; and
causing the display apparatus to display each monitoring domain to
display a region segmented in an individual monitoring domain
according to a mode which supports the number of cameras which
include the region in the fields.
[0013] Furthermore, a field display program according to the
present invention causes a computer to execute: projection
processing of projecting a position in an image captured by a
camera, on a plurality of monitoring domains obtained by moving, in
parallel, a region to be monitored which defines a range to be
checked for an image capturing situation of the camera, the
monitoring domain being determined based on a height of a target to
be monitored, an image of which is captured by the camera, and
specifying fields of the plurality of monitoring domains as a range
an image of which the camera captures without being blocked by an
obstacle; integration processing of integrating the fields in the
monitoring domains; and display control processing of causing a
display apparatus to display an integration result of the
fields.
[0014] Still further, a field display program according to the
present invention causes a computer to execute: projection
processing of projecting a position in an image captured by a
camera, on a plurality of monitoring domains obtained by moving, in
parallel, a region to be monitored which defines a range to be
checked for an image capturing situation of the camera, the
monitoring domain being determined based on a height of a target to
be monitored, an image of which is captured by the camera, and
specifying fields of the plurality of monitoring domains as a range
an image of which the camera captures without being blocked by an
obstacle; segmentation processing of segmenting each monitoring
domain based on how many fields of cameras each monitoring domain
corresponds to; and display control processing of causing a display
apparatus to display each monitoring domain to display a region
segmented in an individual monitoring domain according to a mode
which supports the number of cameras which include the region in
the fields.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to
intelligibly present to a user a range in which a camera can
capture an image of an entire target to be monitored or a certain
part or more of the target to be monitored.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 It depicts a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
configuration of a field display system according to a first
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 It depicts a schematic view illustrating an example
of a monitoring domain.
[0018] FIG. 3 It depicts an explanatory view illustrating a
coordinate system of an image.
[0019] FIG. 4 It depicts a schematic view illustrating an example
of a positional relationship between the position of each camera
determined based on camera parameters and a monitoring domain.
[0020] FIG. 5 It depicts an explanatory view illustrating a result
obtained by projecting an image region of each camera illustrated
in FIG. 4, on each monitoring domain.
[0021] FIG. 6 It depicts an explanatory view schematically
illustrating integration of fields according to the first exemplary
embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 7 It depicts a flowchart illustrating an example of
steps of processing according to the first exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 8 It depicts an explanatory view illustrating a display
example of an integration result of fields according to the first
exemplary embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 9 It depicts a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
configuration of a field display system according to a second
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 10 It depicts an explanatory view schematically
illustrating integration of fields according to the second
exemplary embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 11 It depicts a flowchart illustrating an example of
steps of processing according to the second exemplary
embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 12 It depicts an explanatory view illustrating a
display example of an integration result of fields according to the
second exemplary embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 13 It depicts an explanatory view illustrating an
example of highlighting a region corresponding to a field rate
falling within a specific numerical value range.
[0029] FIG. 14 It depicts an explanatory view illustrating another
example of highlighting.
[0030] FIG. 15 It depicts a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
configuration of a field display system according to a third
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 16 It depicts an explanatory view illustrating a
calculation example of an average field rate.
[0032] FIG. 17 It depicts a flowchart illustrating an example of
steps of processing according to the third exemplary
embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 18 It depicts a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
configuration of a field display system according to a fourth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 19 It depicts a flowchart illustrating an example of
steps of processing according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 20 It depicts an explanatory view illustrating an
example of a segmentation result of monitoring domains.
[0036] FIG. 21 It depicts an explanatory view illustrating an
example of a segmentation result of monitoring domains.
[0037] FIG. 22 It depicts an explanatory view illustrating an
example of a segmentation result of monitoring domains.
[0038] FIG. 23 It depicts an explanatory view illustrating an
example of a display format in step S22.
[0039] FIG. 24 It depicts an explanatory view illustrating an
example of highlighting according to the fourth exemplary
embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 25 It depicts an explanatory view illustrating an
example of highlighting according to the fourth exemplary
embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 26 It depicts a block diagram illustrating another
exemplary configuration of the field display system according to
the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 27 It depicts an explanatory view illustrating an
example of highlighting in a case where a camera is specified.
[0043] FIG. 28 It depicts a block diagram illustrating an example
of main components according to the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 29 It depicts a block diagram illustrating another
example of main components according to the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 30 It depicts a block diagram illustrating a
configuration of a field display system according to a fifth
exemplary embodiment.
[0046] FIG. 31 It depicts a block diagram illustrating another
exemplary configuration of the field display system according to
the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 32 It depicts a block diagram illustrating another
exemplary configuration of the field display system according to
the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 33 It depicts an explanatory view illustrating an
example in which virtual planes are not parallel to a region to be
monitored.
[0049] FIG. 34 It depicts a schematic view illustrating a
horizontal field of view and a vertical field of view displayed by
a technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0050] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention
will be described with reference to the drawings.
First Exemplary Embodiment
[0051] FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
configuration of a field display system according to a first
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A field display
system 1 according to the present invention includes an information
registering unit 2, an information memory unit 3, a monitoring
domain determining unit 4, a projecting unit 5, an integrating unit
6, and a display control unit 7.
[0052] The information memory unit 3 is a memory device which
stores information (camera parameters) related to a camera such as
an arrangement position, a posture, an angle of view and lens
distortion of the camera, a screen size of the camera, information
which indicates a region to be monitored, information related to a
target to be monitored such as a position and a height of the
target to be monitored, an image of which is captured by the
camera, and information related to an obstacle such as a position
and a height of the obstacle arranged in the region to be
monitored. The information registering unit 2 receives, for
example, an input of these pieces of information by a user
operation, and the information registering unit 2 stores the input
information in the information memory unit 3. A case will be
described as an example below where a target to be monitored is a
person. Further, when a plurality of cameras is assumed, the user
inputs camera parameters per camera, and the information
registering unit 2 stores the camera parameters of each camera in
the information memory unit 3.
[0053] The region to be monitored is a domain which defines a range
to be checked for an image capturing situation of the camera, and
is determined as a domain in a horizontal plane. A
three-dimensional space, which is determined by moving this region
to be monitored in parallel in the vertical direction, is defined
as a range to be checked for an image capturing situation of the
camera. For example, a domain of a floor of a room in which cameras
are installed may be defined as a region to be monitored. In this
example, a three-dimensional space determined by moving this region
in parallel upward in the vertical direction is a range to be
checked for an image capturing situation.
[0054] The monitoring domain determining unit 4 refers to
information which indicates a region to be monitored stored in the
information memory unit 3 and information related to the target to
be monitored, and determines a plurality of monitoring domains
based on a height of the target to be monitored. A monitoring
domain is a domain determined by moving a region to be monitored in
parallel. Hence, the size of the monitoring domain is the same as
that of the region to be monitored. The monitoring domain
determining unit 4 determines a plurality of monitoring domains in
a range from the vicinity of a lower end (for example, the toe of
the person) of the target to be monitored to the vicinity of an
upper end (for example, the head of the person) of the target to be
monitored. A plurality of monitoring domains includes a monitoring
domain in the vicinity of a lower end of a target to be monitored
and a monitoring domain in the vicinity of an upper end thereof.
FIG. 2 depicts a schematic view illustrating an example of a
monitoring domain. In an example illustrated in FIG. 2, information
which indicates a region to be monitored 11, information which
indicates a person 13, and information which indicates an obstacle
12 are stored in the information memory unit 3. Further, FIG. 2
illustrates a case where the monitoring domain determining unit 4
determines three monitoring domains h.sub.0 to h.sub.2 in the range
from the vicinity of the lower end of the person 13 to the vicinity
of the upper end thereof. In this example, the monitoring domain
h.sub.0 at the lower end of the person 13 is the same region as the
region to be monitored 11.
[0055] Next, the projecting unit 5 will be described. First, a
coordinate system and an image region of an image captured by the
camera will be described. When the camera parameters and the screen
size of the camera are determined, a two-dimensional coordinate
system of an image obtained by this camera (an image captured by
the camera), and a region corresponding to this image in this
coordinate system are determined. This region is referred to as an
image region. An image region is a region which indicates an entire
screen of an image captured by the camera. An image region is
determined per camera.
[0056] FIG. 3 depicts an explanatory view illustrating a coordinate
system of an image captured by the camera. As illustrated in FIG.
3, a random position 32 in the image captured by the camera is
represented as a coordinate of an xy coordinate system (that is,
the two-dimensional coordinate system) in front of the camera.
Further, the image region 31 is a region which indicates an entire
screen of this image, and is a region in this xy coordinate system.
According to the camera parameters and the screen size, the image
region 31 is determined.
[0057] Further, calculating, from a line which passes a camera
position and a position in the image region 31, a coordinate in a
three-dimensional space corresponding to this position in the image
region 31 is referred to as "projection". For example, calculating
a position 33 in the three-dimensional space corresponding to the
position 32 in the image region 31 represented by the
two-dimensional coordinate corresponds to projection. Projection
can be realized by converting the two-dimensional coordinate, which
represents the position in the image region 31, into the
three-dimensional coordinate of real space using camera parameters
such as an arrangement position, a posture, an angle of view, and
lens distortion of the camera.
[0058] The projecting unit 5 projects the image region 31 on each
monitoring domain per camera. FIG. 4 depicts a schematic view
illustrating an example of a positional relationship between a
position of each camera determined based on camera parameters and a
monitoring domain. For example, the projecting unit 5 projects the
image region 31 (see FIG. 3) of the camera 21 on the monitoring
domains h.sub.0, h.sub.1, and h.sub.2. Similarly, the projecting
unit 5 projects the image regions of the other cameras 22 and 23 on
the monitoring domains h.sub.0, h.sub.1, and h.sub.2.
[0059] Further, the projecting unit 5 refers to information of a
position and a size of an obstacle upon projection, and determines
whether the obstacle exists on a line connecting the camera
position and a projection point on a monitoring domain.
Furthermore, upon determining that the obstacle exists on the line
connecting the camera position and the projection point on the
monitoring domain, the projecting unit 5 determines that the
projection point on this monitoring domain is a point at which the
camera is blocked by the obstacle and cannot capture an image.
Meanwhile, upon determining that the obstacle does not exist on the
line connecting the camera position and the projection point on the
monitoring domain, the projecting unit 5 determines that the
projection point on this monitoring domain is a point at which the
camera can capture an image without being blocked by the
obstacle.
[0060] By making the determination as to the projection point on
the monitoring domain, the projecting unit 5 specifies a field as a
range an image of which the camera can capture without being
blocked by the obstacle in the monitoring domain.
[0061] Further, the projecting unit 5 preferably superimposes and
displays a range, in which the obstacle exists, on a monitoring
domain on which an image region is projected. The range in which
the obstacle exists may be represented by a specific color (a
translucent color). Further, an outer periphery of the range in
which the obstacle exists may be represented by a specific line
type.
[0062] FIG. 5 depicts an explanatory view illustrating a result
obtained by projecting an image region of each camera illustrated
in FIG. 4, on each monitoring domain. FIG. 5 illustrates a
projection result related to the camera 21, a projection result
related to the camera 22, and a projection result related to the
camera 23 from a left column. Further, FIG. 5 illustrates a
projection result related to the monitoring domain h.sub.2, a
projection result related to the monitoring domain h.sub.1, and a
projection result related to the monitoring domain h.sub.0 from the
top row.
[0063] A result of projecting an image region of the camera on a
horizontal plane is a trapezoidal shape. For example, a result of
projecting the image region of the camera 21 on the monitoring
domain h.sub.2 is a trapezoidal shape ABCD (see FIG. 5). The size
of this trapezoid differs depending on the height of the monitoring
domain. As a difference in height between the camera and the
monitoring domain is greater, the trapezoidal shape which indicates
the projection result is larger. Meanwhile, the projecting unit 5
does not include, in the projection result, a portion of this
trapezoid that goes beyond the monitoring domain.
[0064] As described above, the projecting unit 5 preferably
superimposes and displays the obstacle on the monitoring domain. In
an example illustrated in FIG. 5, in each monitoring domain, a
range in which the obstacle 12 exists is filled by white, and the
outer periphery of this range is indicated by a solid line.
[0065] According to each projection result illustrated in FIG. 5, a
range indicated by diagonal lines represents a field an image of
which the camera can capture without being blocked by the obstacle
12. This field differs from camera to camera. Further, when
focusing on one camera, the field differs depending on the height
of a monitoring domain.
[0066] Furthermore, in each of the monitoring domains h.sub.0 to
h.sub.1 illustrated in FIG. 5, a region other than the field and
the obstacle is a range in which the camera is blocked by the
obstacle and cannot capture an image, and a range which does not
correspond to a projection destination of an image region. That is,
a range other than a field in a monitoring domain is a range in
which the camera cannot capture an image of a target to be
monitored.
[0067] The integrating unit 6 integrates fields of cameras
specified in respective monitoring domains.
[0068] According to the first exemplary embodiment, the integrating
unit 6 extracts regions corresponding to fields in all monitoring
domains h.sub.0 to h.sub.2 and obtains an extraction result as an
integration result of the fields for each camera.
[0069] FIG. 6 depicts an explanatory view schematically
illustrating integration of fields according to the first exemplary
embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates integration of fields of the camera
22. A field 27 illustrated in FIG. 6 is a field in the monitoring
domain h.sub.2. Similarly, a field 26 is a field in the monitoring
domain h.sub.1 and a field 25 is a field in the monitoring domain
h.sub.0. The integrating unit 6 extracts a common region 28 in the
fields 25, 26 and 27 in the monitoring domains h.sub.0 to h.sub.2,
and determines this region 28 as an integration result of the
fields in the monitoring domains.
[0070] The fields 25, 26 and 27 represent ranges in which, at the
heights of the monitoring domains corresponding to these fields,
the camera 22 can capture an image of a target to be monitored
without being blocked by an obstacle. Hence, when a target to be
monitored exists in the common region 28 (see FIG. 6) of the fields
25, 26 and 27 in the monitoring domains h.sub.0 to h.sub.2 of
different heights, the camera 22 can capture an image of the
vicinity of the lower end to the vicinity of the upper end of the
target to be monitored. That is, the region 28, which is an
integration result of the fields 25, 26 and 27, can be referred to
as a region in which the camera 22 can capture an image of the
entire target to be monitored.
[0071] The integrating unit 6 integrates the fields as described
above per camera. Hence, according to the first exemplary
embodiment, the integration result of fields can be obtained per
camera.
[0072] The display control unit 7 causes a display apparatus (not
illustrated) to display an integration result of fields obtained
per camera. In addition, the field display system 1 may have a
display apparatus.
[0073] The information registering unit 2, the monitoring domain
determining unit 4, the projecting unit 5, the integrating unit 6,
and the display control unit 7 are realized by, for example, a CPU
of a computer which operates according to a field display program.
In this case, the CPU only needs to read the field display program,
and operate as the information registering unit 2, the monitoring
domain determining unit 4, the projecting unit 5, the integrating
unit 6, and the display control unit 7 according to this program.
Further, the field display program may be recorded in a
computer-readable recording medium. Furthermore, the information
registering unit 2, the monitoring domain determining unit 4, the
projecting unit 5, the integrating unit 6, and the display control
unit 7 may be respectively realized by different hardware.
[0074] Next, steps of processing according to the present exemplary
embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart
illustrating an example of steps of processing according to the
first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In addition,
it is assumed that in the information memory unit 3, various pieces
information such as camera parameters have been stored. First, the
monitoring domain determining unit 4 refers to information which
indicates a region to be monitored and information related to a
target to be monitored, and determines a plurality of monitoring
domains in a range from the vicinity of the lower end to the
vicinity of the upper end of the target to be monitored (step S1).
In addition, a plurality of monitoring domains may be determined in
advance, and information on these monitoring domains may be stored
in the information memory unit 3. In this case, step S1 may be
skipped. Further, in this case, the field display system 1 may not
include the monitoring domain determining unit 4.
[0075] After step S1, the projecting unit 5 projects an image
region of an image captured by the camera, on each monitoring
domain per camera (step S2). Further, in step S2, the projecting
unit 5 specifies the region corresponding to a field in each
monitoring domain. Furthermore, preferably, the projecting unit 5
also superimposes the range in which an obstacle exists, on each
monitoring domain.
[0076] Next, the integrating unit 6 integrates fields in the
monitoring domains (step S3). According to the present exemplary
embodiment, the integrating unit 6 extracts, as an integration
result, a common region of the fields represented in the respective
monitoring domains per camera.
[0077] The display control unit 7 causes the display apparatus (not
illustrated) to display the integration result of the fields
obtained per camera (step S4). FIG. 8 depicts an explanatory view
illustrating a display example of an integration result of fields
according to the first exemplary embodiment. For example, the
display control unit 7 causes the display apparatus to display a
region 28, obtained by integrating fields of the camera 22,
together with the region to be monitored 11 as illustrated in FIG.
8. Further, the display control unit 7 causes the display apparatus
to also display the range in which the obstacle 12 superimposed by
the projecting unit 5 exists. Similarly, the display control unit 7
causes the display apparatus to display integration results of
fields of other cameras.
[0078] According to the first exemplary embodiment, a common region
of fields in monitoring domains of different heights is extracted
and the display apparatus is caused to display the common region
per camera. Consequently, it is possible to present to a user a
range in a region to be monitored in which it is possible to
capture an image of the vicinity of a lower end to the vicinity of
an upper end of a target to be monitored (for example, a person).
Therefore, the user can easily learn the range in the region to be
monitored in which the camera can capture an image of the entire
target to be monitored. Further, by changing camera parameters and
checking a change of this range, it is easier to adjust, for
example, a position, a posture and an angle of view of the camera
to maximize this range.
[0079] In addition, according to the first exemplary embodiment,
the number of cameras may be one.
Second Exemplary Embodiment
[0080] A field display system according to a second exemplary
embodiment visualizes not only a range in which an entire target to
be monitored can be seen but also to what degree a portion of the
entire target to be monitored (for example, the entirety of a
person) can be captured by the camera in the region to be monitored
to present to the user.
[0081] FIG. 9 depicts a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
configuration of the field display system according to the second
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The same components
as those in the first exemplary embodiment will be assigned the
same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1, and will not be
described. The field display system according to the second
exemplary embodiment includes an integrating unit 6a (see FIG. 9)
instead of the integrating unit 6 (see FIG. 1) according to the
first exemplary embodiment. The integrating unit 6a includes a
field rate calculating unit 61 and a cover rate calculating unit
63a.
[0082] The field rate calculating unit 61 calculates a field rate
per position outside a range in which an obstacle exists in a
region to be monitored 11 (see FIG. 2). Further, the field rate
calculating unit 61 calculates the field rate per camera.
[0083] The field rate refers to a ratio of the number of monitoring
domains, focused positions of which belong to fields, to the total
number of monitoring domains. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2,
the total number of monitoring domains is "3". Further, focusing
on, for example, a given position in the region to be monitored 11,
although this position belongs to the fields in two monitoring
domains h.sub.2 and h.sub.1, the position does not belong to the
field in the remaining monitoring domain h.sub.0. In this case, the
field rate calculating unit 61 calculates the field rate of the
focused position as "2/3". The field rate calculating unit 61
calculates a field rate as described above per position outside the
range in which an obstacle exists. Meanwhile, the field rate
calculating unit 61 does not need to calculate a field rate per
densely continuous position. For example, the field rate
calculating unit 61 may divide the region to be monitored 11
(except the range in which the obstacle exists) per fixed range,
determine a representative position from each divided area, and
calculate the field rate at this representative position. Further,
the field rate calculating unit 61 may determine this field rate as
a field rate of a divided area to which the representative position
belongs.
[0084] The field rate calculating unit 61 calculates a field rate
per position in the region to be monitored 11 (except the range in
which the obstacle exists), and then specifies a region,
corresponding to each field rate, in the region to be monitored 11.
The region of each field rate specified in this way is an
integration result of fields according to the second exemplary
embodiment.
[0085] FIG. 10 depicts an explanatory view schematically
illustrating integration of fields according to the second
exemplary embodiment. FIG. 10 illustrates integration of fields of
the camera 22. The fields 25 to 27 illustrated in FIG. 10 are the
same as the fields 25 to 27 illustrated in FIG. 6, and will not be
described. The field rate calculating unit 61 calculates a field
rate per position in the region to be monitored 11 (except a range
in which an obstacle exists). In this example, there are three
monitoring domains, and the field rates are calculated as "0",
"1/3", "2/3", and "3/3=1". The field rate calculating unit 61
specifies a region, corresponding to each of these field rates, in
the region to be monitored 11. In the example illustrated in FIG.
10, a region 73 is a region of a field rate "3/3=1". Further,
regions 72 and 74 are regions of a field rate "2/3". Furthermore,
regions 71 and 75 are regions of a field rate "1/3". The other
regions are regions of a field rate "0".
[0086] Note that a field rate is not calculated for a range in
which the obstacle 12 exists. The field rate calculating unit 61
preferably superimposes the range in which the obstacle 12 exists,
on the region to be monitored 11. The range in which the obstacle
exists may be represented by a specific color (a translucent
color). Further, an outer periphery of the range in which the
obstacle exists may be represented by a specific line type. This is
the same as in the first exemplary embodiment. Further, the same
applies to the following exemplary embodiments.
[0087] The cover rate calculating unit 63a calculates a cover rate
per camera. The cover rate is a ratio of a sum of calculated field
rates to the number of positions, field rates of which have been
calculated in the region to be monitored 11. That is, the cover
rate calculating unit 63a calculates a cover rate by calculating
following equation (1).
[ Math . 1 ] Cover rate = Sum of calculated field rates Number of
positions at which field rates have been calculated in region to be
monitored Equation ( 1 ) ##EQU00001##
[0088] The cover rate can be a ratio of a region in which a target
to be monitored can be monitored, to the region to be monitored
11.
[0089] Although the cover rate calculated according to equation (1)
in the second exemplary embodiment can be referred to as "a cover
rate based on field rates", this cover rate is simply referred to
as a "cover rate" for ease of description.
[0090] Further, the cover rate calculating unit 63a may add field
rates in a specified numerical value range as a numerator on the
right side of equation (1) when calculating the cover rate by
calculating equation (1). That is, the cover rate calculating unit
63a may add only field rates in the specified numerical value range
upon calculation of the numerator on the right side of equation
(1), ignore field rates outside this numerical value range (for
example, regard the field rates as 0) and calculate the cover rate
according to equation (1). A method of specifying this numerical
value range is not limited in particular. For example, the
numerical value range may be specified by the user inputting the
numerical value range of a field rate to the field display system
1.
[0091] Further, the display control unit 7 causes the display
apparatus to also display a cover rate together with an integration
result of fields.
[0092] The integrating unit 6a (more specifically, the field rate
calculating unit 61 and the cover rate calculating unit 63a) is
realized by, for example, the CPU which operates according to the
field display program.
[0093] FIG. 11 depicts a flowchart illustrating an example of steps
of processing according to the second exemplary embodiment.
Processing in steps S1 and S2 is the same as that in steps S1 and
S2 according to the first exemplary embodiment. According to the
second exemplary embodiment, after step S2, the field rate
calculating unit 61 calculates a field rate per position outside a
range in which an obstacle exists, in a region to be monitored 11.
Further, the field rate calculating unit 61 specifies a region
corresponding to each of these calculated field rates in the region
to be monitored 11 (step S5). The field rate calculating unit 61
performs this processing per camera. A result in step S5 is an
integration result of fields according to the second exemplary
embodiment.
[0094] Next, the cover rate calculating unit 63a calculates a cover
rate by calculating equation (1) (step S6). The cover rate
calculating unit 63a calculates a cover rate per camera.
[0095] Next, the display control unit 7 causes the display
apparatus (not illustrated) to display the integration result of
the fields obtained per camera (step S4). FIG. 12 depicts an
explanatory view illustrating a display example of an integration
result of fields according to the second exemplary embodiment. For
example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the display control unit 7
causes the display apparatus to display each region specified as a
region corresponding to each field rate of the camera 22 according
to a mode which supports this field rate. Examples of displaying
each region according to a mode which supports a field rate include
distinguishing and displaying each region with a color, a pattern
and brightness associated with a field rate. In addition, when a
region is distinguished and displayed, a region may be
distinguished based on matters other than a color, a pattern and
brightness. The same applies to the other exemplary embodiments. In
the example illustrated in FIG. 12, patterns are distinguished
among the region 73 of the field rate "3/3=1", the regions 72 and
74 of the field rate "2/3", the regions 71 and 75 of the field rate
"1/3", and the other regions (the regions of the field rate "0").
Further, the display control unit 7 causes the display apparatus to
also display the range in which the superimposed obstacle 12
exists.
[0096] Furthermore, the display control unit 7 causes the display
apparatus to also display a cover rate as illustrated in FIG. 12.
Note that, although FIG. 12 illustrates an example of directly
displaying a cover rate, a method of displaying a cover rate is not
limited in particular. For example, a cover rate may be displayed
by means of a graph which shows a difference between cover rates of
respective cameras, where the horizontal axis may indicate an
identification number of each camera and the vertical axis may
indicate the cover rate.
[0097] According to the second exemplary embodiment, the display
apparatus displays a region corresponding to each field rate with a
color, a pattern and brightness associated with the field rate.
Further, this means that, as the field rate is higher, an image of
a larger portion of a target to be monitored (for example, a
person) can be captured. Consequently, it is possible to
intelligibly present to a user a range in which a camera can
capture an image of the entire target to be monitored or a certain
part or more of the target to be monitored. Consequently, the user
can easily learn the range in the region to be monitored in which
the camera can capture an image of the entirety or most part of the
target to be monitored. Further, by changing information related to
the camera and checking a change of this range, it is easier to
adjust, for example, a position, a posture and an angle of view of
the camera to maximize this range.
[0098] Furthermore, by also displaying a cover rate, it is possible
to present to the user a ratio of a region in which the camera can
monitor the target to be monitored, to the region to be monitored
11.
[0099] Next, a modified example of the second exemplary embodiment
will be described. In the second exemplary embodiment, display of a
cover rate may be skipped. In this case, the field display system 1
according to the second exemplary embodiment may not include the
cover rate calculating unit 63a, and may not execute step S6 (see
FIG. 11).
[0100] Further, in the second exemplary embodiment, in step S4, the
display control unit 7 may cause the display apparatus to highlight
a region corresponding to a field rate falling within a specified
numerical value range. A method of specifying this numerical value
range is not limited in particular. The user may input, to the
field display system 1, a numerical value range of a field rate
corresponding to a region to be highlighted, and the display
control unit 7 may cause the display apparatus to highlight a
region corresponding to a field rate falling within the numerical
value range specified by the user.
[0101] FIG. 13 depicts an explanatory view illustrating an example
of highlighting a region corresponding to a field rate falling
within a specific numerical value range. For example, as
illustrated in FIG. 12, the display control unit 7 causes the
display apparatus to display each region corresponding to each
field rate. Further, it is assumed that, as the numerical value
range of the field rate corresponding to a region to be
highlighted, a range of "2/3 or more and 1 or less" is specified.
In this case, the region corresponding to the field rate in the
range of "2/3 or more and 1 or less" includes the regions 72 and 74
of the field rate "2/3" and the region 73 of the field rate "1".
Hence, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the display control unit 7
highlights a region obtained by combining the regions 72 to 74
illustrated in FIG. 12. The region 77 highlighted in an example in
FIG. 13 is a region obtained by combining the regions 72 to 74.
Thus, in this modified example, the display control unit 7 causes
the display apparatus to highlight a specified region, so that it
is possible to explicitly visualize an effective field in which an
image of a large portion of a target to be monitored can be
reliably captured. Further, when only "1" is specified as a
numerical value range of the field rate, a region to be highlighted
is the same as an integration result of fields displayed in the
first exemplary embodiment.
[0102] Furthermore, only "0" may be specified as a numerical value
range of a field rate corresponding to a region to be highlighted.
FIG. 14 depicts an explanatory view illustrating an example of a
region to be highlighted in this case. That is, the region 78
highlighted in the example illustrated in FIG. 14 is a range
corresponding to the field rate "0", in other words, a range
corresponding to a blind angle of the camera. Thus, by specifying
"0" as a numerical value range, the user can visually and clearly
check the range corresponding to the blind angle of the camera.
[0103] Note that FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate cases where regions
(that is, regions which are not highlighted) corresponding to field
rates outside the specified numerical value range are uniformly
displayed in a monochromatic manner. Further, as illustrated in
FIGS. 13 and 14, when performing highlighting, the display control
unit 7 preferably causes the display apparatus to also display a
range in which the obstacle 12 exists.
Third Exemplary Embodiment
[0104] FIG. 15 depicts a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
configuration of a field display system according to a third
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The same components
as those in the first and second exemplary embodiments will be
assigned the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 and 9, and
will not be described. The field display system according to the
third exemplary embodiment includes an integrating unit 6b (see
FIG. 15) instead of the integrating unit 6 (see FIG. 1) according
to the first exemplary embodiment. The integrating unit 6b includes
a field rate calculating unit 61, an average field rate calculating
unit 62, and a cover rate calculating unit 63b.
[0105] The field rate calculating unit 61 is the same as the field
rate calculating unit 61 according to the second exemplary
embodiment.
[0106] The average field rate calculating unit 62 calculates an
average field rate per position outside a range in which an
obstacle exists, in a region to be monitored 11 (see FIG. 2).
[0107] As described above, the field rate calculating unit 61 does
not need to calculate a field rate per densely continuous position.
The average field rate calculating unit 62 does not need to
calculate an average field rate per densely continuous position,
either. For example, the average field rate calculating unit 62 may
divide the region to be monitored 11 (except the range in which the
obstacle exists) per fixed range, determine a representative
position from each divided area, and calculate the average field
rate at this representative position. Further, the average field
rate calculating unit 62 may determine this average field rate as
an average field rate of the divided areas to which the
representative positions belong. Furthermore, the average field
rate calculating unit 62 only needs to calculate the average field
rate of the positions, the field rates of which have been
calculated by the field rate calculating unit 61. That is,
positions to calculate the average field rate are the same as the
positions, the field rates of which are calculated by the field
rate calculating unit 61.
[0108] Meanwhile, the average field rate is an average value of
field rates of predetermined top rank orders out of field rates
calculated per camera by the field rate calculating unit 61 for
focused positions in the region to be monitored 11 (except the
range in which the obstacle exists). For example, for a position P
in the region to be monitored 11 (except the range in which the
obstacle exists), field rates are calculated per individual camera.
Further, top n rank orders from the first place to the n-th place
are determined as rank orders of calculation targets of the average
field rate. In this case, an average value of n field rates from
the highest field rate to the n-th highest field rate among the
field rates at this position P is the average field rate.
Therefore, the average field rate calculating unit 62 only needs to
calculate, as the average field rate at the position P, the average
value of the n field rates from the highest field rate to the n-th
highest field rate among the field rates at this position P. Note
that a value of the above "n" is determined in advance.
[0109] FIG. 16 depicts an explanatory view illustrating a
calculation example of an average field rate. In the following
description, similar to a case illustrated in FIG. 2, three
monitoring domains h.sub.0 to h.sub.2 are determined. Further, the
above n is "2". That is, a case will be described as an example
where the average field rate calculating unit 62 calculates, as an
average field rate, an average value of the top two field rates
among the field rates calculated per camera for one position. FIG.
16 illustrates, from the left side, a region per field rate
determined by the field rate calculating unit 61 for the camera 21,
a region per field rate determined by the field rate calculating
unit 61 for the camera 22, and a region per field rate determined
by the field rate calculating unit 61 for the camera 23. Further,
in FIG. 16, a region of a field rate "1/3" is assigned a reference
numeral "81". Furthermore, a region of a field rate "2/3" is
assigned a reference numeral "82". Still further, a region of a
field rate "3/3=1" is assigned a reference numeral "83".
[0110] Focusing upon the position P illustrated in FIG. 16, the
field rate calculated by the field rate calculating unit 61 for the
camera 21 is "1". Further, the field rate calculated by the field
rate calculating unit 61 for the camera 22 is "2/3". Furthermore,
the field rate calculated by the field rate calculating unit 61 for
the camera 23 is "0". Hence, the average field rate calculating
unit 62 only needs to calculate, as the average field rate at the
position P, an average value of the top two field rates "1" and
"2/3" out of the three field rates "1", "2/3" and "0" calculated
per camera for the position P. In this example, the average field
rate of the position P is "5/6".
[0111] The average field rate calculating unit 62 calculates an
average field rate likewise for each of the other positions in the
region to be monitored 11 (except a range in which an obstacle
exists).
[0112] Further, the average field rate calculating unit 62
specifies a region corresponding to each average field rate in the
region to be monitored 11. The region of each average field rate
specified in this way is an integration result of fields according
to the third exemplary embodiment.
[0113] The cover rate calculating unit 63b calculates a cover rate.
Meanwhile, the cover rate according to the third exemplary
embodiment is a ratio of a sum of calculated average field rates to
the number of positions, field rates of which have been calculated
in the region to be monitored 11. That is, the cover rate
calculating unit 63b calculates a cover rate by calculating
following equation (2).
[ Math . 2 ] Cover rate = Sum of calculated average field rates
Number of positions at which field rates have been calculated in
region to be monitored Equation ( 2 ) ##EQU00002##
[0114] In addition, an average field rate calculation position is
the same as the position the field rate of which is calculated by
the field rate calculating unit 61, and the denominator on the
right side of equation (2) may be "the number of positions an
average field rate of which has been calculated in the region to be
monitored". Even in this case, a calculation result of the cover
rate is the same.
[0115] Although the cover rate calculated according to equation (2)
in the third exemplary embodiment can be referred to as "a cover
rate based on average field rates", this cover rate is simply
referred to as a "cover rate" for ease of description.
[0116] In the second exemplary embodiment, a cover rate (a cover
rate based on the field rate) is calculated per camera. Meanwhile,
the number of values of a calculated cover rate (a cover rate based
on an average field rate) according to the third exemplary
embodiment is one irrespective of the number of cameras. The cover
rate according to the third exemplary embodiment can be a ratio of
a region in which a target to be monitored can be monitored, to the
region to be monitored 11 in a case where a plurality of cameras is
taken into account.
[0117] Further, the cover rate calculating unit 63b may add average
field rates in a specified numerical value range in a numerator on
the right side of equation (2) when calculating the cover rate by
calculating equation (2). That is, the cover rate calculating unit
63b may add only average field rates in the specified numerical
value range upon calculation of the numerator on the right side of
equation (2), ignore average field rates outside this numerical
value range (for example, regard the average field rates as 0) and
calculate the cover rate according to equation (2). Similar to the
second exemplary embodiment, a method of specifying this numerical
value range is not limited in particular.
[0118] The display control unit 7 causes the display apparatus to
display an integration result of fields and a cover rate.
[0119] The integrating unit 6b (more specifically, the field rate
calculating unit 61, the average field rate calculating unit 62,
and the cover rate calculating unit 63b) is realized by, for
example, the CPU which operates according to the field display
program.
[0120] FIG. 17 depicts a flowchart illustrating an example of steps
of processing according to the third exemplary embodiment. Steps
S1, S2 and S5 are the same as steps S1, S2 and S5 (see FIG. 11) in
the second exemplary embodiment, and will not be described.
[0121] After S5, the average field rate calculating unit 62
calculates an average field rate per position outside a range in
which an obstacle exists, in the region to be monitored 11.
Further, the average field rate calculating unit 62 specifies a
region corresponding to each calculated average field rate in the
region to be monitored 11 (step S11). A result in step S11 is an
integration result of fields according to the third exemplary
embodiment.
[0122] Next, the cover rate calculating unit 63b calculates a cover
rate by calculating equation (2) (step S12).
[0123] Next, the display control unit 7 causes the display
apparatus (not illustrated) to display the integration result of
the fields (step S4). In the third exemplary embodiment, the
display control unit 7 causes the display apparatus to display each
region, specified in step S11 as a region corresponding to each
average field rate, according to a mode which supports this average
field rate. Displaying each region according to a mode which
supports an average field rate includes, for example,
distinguishing and displaying each region with a color, a pattern
and brightness associated with the average field rate. The display
control unit 7 causes the display apparatus to display each region
corresponding to each average field rate in the region to be
monitored according to a mode which supports this average field
rate. Hence, a display format of an integration result according to
the third exemplary embodiment is the same as the display format
(FIG. 12) of an integration result according to the second
exemplary embodiment. Meanwhile, in the third exemplary embodiment,
each region is determined based on the average field rate, and
therefore an individual region is narrower than an individual
region displayed in the second exemplary embodiment. Further,
although an integration result is displayed per camera in the
second exemplary embodiment, one integration result is displayed
irrespective of the number of cameras in the third exemplary
embodiment. In addition, the display control unit 7 causes the
display apparatus to also display the range in which the
superimposed obstacle exists.
[0124] Further, the display control unit 7 causes the display
apparatus to also display the cover rate calculated in step S12. In
the third exemplary embodiment, one value of the cover rate is
calculated irrespective of the number of cameras. The display
control unit 7 only needs to cause the display apparatus to display
this cover rate and an integration result of fields.
[0125] In the third exemplary embodiment, the display apparatus
displays a region corresponding to each average field rate with a
color, a pattern and brightness associated with the average field
rate. Further, this means that, as the average field rate is
higher, an image of a larger portion of a target to be monitored
(for example, a person) can be captured. Consequently, it is
possible to intelligibly present to a user a range in which a
camera can capture an image of the entire target to be monitored or
a certain part or more of the target to be monitored. In the third
exemplary embodiment in particular, an average value (average field
rate) of a predetermined number of top field rates among field
rates calculated per camera is calculated, and each region is
displayed based on this average field rate. Consequently, it is
possible to intelligibly present to the user a range in which the
camera can capture an image of the entire target to be monitored or
a certain part or more of the target to be monitored by taking into
account a plurality of cameras. As in the second exemplary
embodiment, the user can easily learn the range in the region to be
monitored in which the camera can capture an image of the entire
target to be monitored or a large portion thereof. Further, by
changing information related to the camera and checking a change of
this range, it is easier to adjust, for example, a position, a
posture and an angle of view of the camera to maximize this
range.
[0126] Furthermore, according to the third exemplary embodiment, by
also displaying a cover rate calculated according to equation (2),
it is possible to present to the user a ratio of a region in which
the camera can monitor the target to be monitored, to the region to
be monitored 11 in a case where a plurality of cameras is taken
into account.
[0127] Next, a modified example of the third exemplary embodiment
will be described. In the third exemplary embodiment, display of a
cover rate may be skipped. In this case, the field display system 1
according to the third exemplary embodiment may not include the
cover rate calculating unit 63b, and may not execute step S12 (see
FIG. 17).
[0128] Further, in the third exemplary embodiment, in step S4, the
display control unit 7 may cause the display apparatus to highlight
a region corresponding to an average field rate falling within a
specified numerical value range. A method of specifying this
numerical value range is not limited in particular. For example,
the user may input, to the field display system 1, a numerical
value range of an average field rate corresponding to a region to
be highlighted and the display control unit 7 may cause the display
apparatus to highlight the region corresponding to the average
field rate falling within the numerical value range specified by
the user. An operation of this display control unit 7 is the same
as an operation (an operation of causing the display apparatus to
highlight the region corresponding to the field rate falling within
the specified numerical value range) described as one modified
example according to the second exemplary embodiment. According to
the present modified example, it is possible to intelligibly
present to the user a region corresponding to an average field rate
falling within the specified numerical value range.
[0129] Further, in the third exemplary embodiment, in step S4, the
display control unit 7 may receive user's specifying of a camera,
and cause the display apparatus to highlight a range which settles
in an image of this camera in an integration result of the fields.
According to the present modified example, it is possible to
intelligibly present to the user a range which settles in the image
of the specified camera.
Fourth Exemplary Embodiment
[0130] FIG. 18 depicts a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
configuration of a field display system according to a fourth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A field display
system 40 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment includes an
information registering unit 2, an information memory unit 3, a
monitoring domain determining unit 4, a projecting unit 5, a
segmenting unit 41, and a display control unit 42. The information
registering unit 2, the information memory unit 3, the monitoring
domain determining unit 4, and the projecting unit 5 are the same
as those in the first to third exemplary embodiments, and will not
be described.
[0131] The segmenting unit 41 segments each monitoring domain based
on how many fields of cameras each monitoring domain corresponds
to. It is assumed that three monitoring domains h.sub.0 to h.sub.2
illustrated in FIG. 2 are determined, and camera parameters of
three cameras 21 to 23 (see FIG. 4) are stored in the information
memory unit 3. In this case, the segmenting unit 41 segments the
monitoring domain h.sub.0 into a region corresponding to the fields
of the three cameras, a region corresponding to the fields of the
two cameras, a region corresponding to the field of one camera, and
a region which does not correspond to a field of any camera. The
segmenting unit 41 segments the monitoring domains h.sub.1 and
h.sub.2 in the same manner.
[0132] The display control unit 42 causes a display apparatus (not
illustrated) to display each monitoring domain to display a region
segmented in an individual monitoring domain according to a mode
which supports the number of cameras which include the region in
the fields. For example, the display control unit 42 distinguishes
among the region corresponding to the fields of the three cameras,
the region corresponding to the fields of the two cameras, the
region corresponding to the field of one camera, and a region which
does not correspond to a field of any camera based on colors,
patterns and brightness, and causes the display apparatus to
display each monitoring domain.
[0133] Note that the field display system 40 may include the
display apparatus.
[0134] The information registering unit 2, the monitoring domain
determining unit 4, the projecting unit 5, the segmenting unit 41
and the display control unit 42 are realized by, for example, a CPU
of a computer which operates according to a field display program.
In this case, the CPU only needs to read the field display program,
and operate as the information registering unit 2, the monitoring
domain determining unit 4, the projecting unit 5, the segmenting
unit 41 and the display control unit 42. Further, the field display
program may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium.
Furthermore, the information registering unit 2, the monitoring
domain determining unit 4, the projecting unit 5, the segmenting
unit 41 and the display control unit 42 may be respectively
realized by different hardware.
[0135] Next, an operation will be described.
[0136] FIG. 19 depicts a flowchart illustrating an example of steps
of processing according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. Steps S1 and S2 are the same as steps S1 and S2
in the first to third exemplary embodiments (see FIGS. 7, 11 and
17), and therefore will not be described. Further, a case will be
described as an example where three monitoring domains h.sub.0 to
h.sub.2 illustrated in FIG. 2 are determined, and camera parameters
of three cameras 21 to 23 (see FIG. 4) are stored in the
information memory unit 3.
[0137] According to processing up to step S2, a result obtained by
projecting an image region of each of the cameras 21 to 23 on each
monitoring domain is obtained as illustrated in FIG. 5. That is, a
projection result of the image region of the camera 21, a
projection result of the image region of the camera 22 and a
projection result of the image region of the camera 23 related to
the monitoring domain h.sub.2 are obtained. Similarly, a projection
result of the image region of each camera related to the monitoring
domain h.sub.1, and a projection result of the image region of each
camera related to the monitoring domain h.sub.0 are obtained.
[0138] After step S2, the segmenting unit 41 segments each
monitoring domain based on how many fields of cameras each
monitoring domain corresponds to (step S21).
[0139] For example, based on the projection result of the image
region of the camera 21, the projection result of the image region
of the camera 22, and the projection result of the image region of
the camera 23 related to the monitoring domain h.sub.2 (see an
upper part in FIG. 5), the segmenting unit 41 segments the
monitoring domain h.sub.2 into a region corresponding to fields of
the three cameras, a region corresponding to fields of the two
cameras, a region corresponding to a field of one camera, and a
region which does not correspond to any camera. FIG. 20 illustrates
a result obtained by segmenting the monitoring domain h.sub.2 based
on the projection result related to the monitoring domain h.sub.2
illustrated in the upper part in FIG. 5.
[0140] Similarly, based on the projection result of the image
region of the camera 21, the projection result of the image region
of the camera 22, and the projection result of the image region of
the camera 23 related to the monitoring domain h.sub.1 (see a
middle part in FIG. 5), the segmenting unit 41 segments the
monitoring domain h.sub.1 into a region corresponding to fields of
the three cameras, a region corresponding to fields of the two
cameras, a region corresponding to a field of one camera, and a
region which does not correspond to any camera. FIG. 21 illustrates
a result obtained by segmenting the monitoring domain h.sub.1 based
on the projection result related to the monitoring domain h.sub.1
illustrated in the middle part in FIG. 5.
[0141] Similarly, based on the projection result of the image
region of the camera 21, the projection result of the image region
of the camera 22, and the projection result of the image region of
the camera 23 related to the monitoring domain h.sub.0 (see a lower
part in FIG. 5), the segmenting unit 41 segments the monitoring
domain h.sub.0 into a region corresponding to fields of the three
cameras, a region corresponding to fields of the two cameras, a
region corresponding to a field of one camera, and a region which
does not correspond to any camera. FIG. 22 illustrates a result
obtained by segmenting the monitoring domain h.sub.0 based on the
projection result related to the monitoring domain h.sub.0
illustrated in the lower part in FIG. 5.
[0142] As illustrated in FIGS. 20 to 22, as a result of step S21, a
result obtained by segmenting monitoring domains is obtained per
monitoring domain. In FIGS. 20 to 22, a region corresponding to the
field of one camera is indicated by a reference numeral "91".
Further, the region corresponding to the fields of the two cameras
is indicated by a reference numeral "92". Furthermore, the region
corresponding to the fields of the three cameras is indicated by a
reference numeral "93". A region which does not correspond to any
camera is indicated in white. Further, the segmenting unit 41 may
exclude the range in which the obstacle 12 exists from a
segmentation target in each of the monitoring domains h.sub.0 to
h.sub.2.
[0143] After step S21, the display control unit 42 causes the
display apparatus (not illustrated) to display each of the
segmented monitoring domains h.sub.0 to h.sub.2 (step S22). In step
S22, the display control unit 42 displays a region segmented in an
individual monitoring domain according to a mode which supports the
number of cameras which include the region in the fields.
[0144] FIG. 23 depicts an explanatory view illustrating an example
of a display format in step S22. The display control unit 42 may
cause the display apparatus to arrange and display each of the
segmented monitoring domains h.sub.0 to h.sub.2 as top views
illustrated in FIG. 23. In a display example illustrated in FIG.
23, different patterns are used for the region 91 corresponding to
a field of one camera, the region 92 corresponding to fields of two
cameras, the region 93 corresponding to fields of three cameras,
and other regions. The display control unit 7 causes the display
apparatus to also display the range in which the obstacle 12
exists.
[0145] Further, as a display format of each monitoring domain in
step S22, the following display format may be adopted. That is, the
display control unit 42 may cause the display apparatus to display
perspective views in which the monitoring domains h.sub.0 to
h.sub.2 segmented as illustrated in FIGS. 20, 21 and 23 are
arranged at positions corresponding to the monitoring domains
h.sub.0 to h.sub.2 in a three-dimensional space. In this example,
the display control unit 42 causes the display apparatus to display
a perspective view in which there is the monitoring domain h.sub.1
as an upper layer of the monitoring domain h.sub.0 and the
monitoring domain h.sub.2 is on this upper layer. Even in this
display format, a region in each of the monitoring domains h.sub.0
to h.sub.1 is displayed with a different pattern depending on how
many fields of cameras the region corresponds to.
[0146] Further, the display control unit 42 may cause the display
apparatus to display a perspective view in which each monitoring
domain is arranged in a three-dimensional space as described above,
and a larger three-dimensional object is arranged in the segmented
region of the monitoring domain as the number of cameras which
include this region in the fields is higher. Although the shape of
this three-dimensional object is not limited in particular, a case
will be described as an example where the three-dimensional object
is a ball. Further, ball sizes include three sizes of large, medium
and small.
[0147] In this example, the display control unit 42 determines a
state in which there is the monitoring domain h.sub.1 as the upper
layer of the monitoring domain h.sub.0 and the monitoring domain
h.sub.2 is on this upper layer. Further, the display control unit
42 determines a state in which a large ball crossing the region 93
is arranged in the region 93 (see FIGS. 21 and 22) corresponding to
the fields of the three cameras in each of the monitoring domains
h.sub.0 to h.sub.2. Similarly, the display control unit 42
determines a state in which a medium size ball crossing the region
92 is arranged in the region 92 (see FIGS. 21 and 22) corresponding
to the fields of the two cameras in each of the monitoring domains
h.sub.0 to h.sub.2, and determines a state in which a small ball
crossing the region 91 is arranged in the region 91 (see FIGS. 21
and 22) corresponding to the field of the one camera. The display
control unit 42 may cause the display apparatus to display the
perspective view of this state.
[0148] Further, when causing the display apparatus to display the
perspective view in which each of the monitoring domains h.sub.0 to
h.sub.2 is arranged in a three-dimensional space, the display
control unit 42 may update the perspective view by changing a view
point according to a user operation.
[0149] The user can check, according to each displayed monitoring
domain, which region is in the fields of the cameras 21 to 23 in
the three monitoring domains h.sub.0 to h.sub.2 corresponding to
three types of heights in the three-dimensional space.
Consequently, even in the fourth exemplary embodiment, it is
possible to obtain the same effect as that in each of the above
exemplary embodiments.
[0150] According to the fourth exemplary embodiment in particular,
a region in a monitoring domain is segmented according to how many
fields of cameras the region corresponds to and displayed, so that
it is possible to intelligibly present to the user that an image of
a target to be monitored (for example, a person) is captured by
more cameras. Consequently, the user can easily learn a range in
which fields of more cameras overlap.
[0151] Further, as described above, when the user is presented with
a perspective view in which a larger three-dimensional object (for
example, a ball) is arranged in a region segmented in a monitoring
domain as the number of cameras which include this region in the
field is higher, the user can easily learn how many cameras capture
images of a target to be monitored based on the size of this
three-dimensional object.
[0152] Next, a modified example of the fourth exemplary embodiment
will be described. In the fourth exemplary embodiment, in step S22,
the display control unit 42 may cause the display apparatus to
highlight a region included in fields of the specified number of
cameras. A method of specifying the number of cameras is not
limited in particular. For example, the user may input the number
of cameras in the field display system 40 and the display control
unit 42 may cause the display apparatus to highlight a region
included in fields of the user-specified number of cameras. The
number of cameras to be specified is not limited to one value such
as "one", and may be specified as a range of "one or more and the
total number (three in this example) or less". Hereinafter, a case
will be described as an example where top views of monitoring
domains are presented as illustrated in FIG. 23. Note that the
monitoring domain h.sub.0 illustrated in a lower part in FIG. 23
will be described as an example.
[0153] FIG. 24 depicts an explanatory view illustrating an example
of highlighting a region included in fields of the specified number
of cameras. FIG. 24 illustrates an example of highlighting in the
monitoring domain h.sub.0.
[0154] The display control unit 42 causes the display apparatus to
display the monitoring domains h.sub.0 to h.sub.2 as illustrated in
FIG. 23. Further, the user specifies a range of "one or more and
three or less" as the number of cameras. This means that a command
to highlight a region included in fields of one, two or three
cameras is received from the outside. In response to user's
specifying of the number of cameras, the display control unit 42
highlights a region obtained by combining the region 91
corresponding to a field of one camera, the region 92 corresponding
to fields of two cameras and the region 93 corresponding to fields
of three cameras in the monitoring domain h.sub.0 as illustrated in
FIG. 24. The region 95 highlighted in an example of FIG. 24 is a
region obtained by combining the regions 91 to 93 in the monitoring
domain h.sub.0. Although the monitoring domain h.sub.0 has been
described as an example, the display control unit 42 performs
highlighting likewise in the monitoring domains h.sub.1 and h.sub.2
illustrated in FIG. 23. In the present modified example, it is
possible to intelligibly present to the user a range included in
fields of the specified number of cameras.
[0155] Further, only "0" may be specified as the number of cameras.
FIG. 25 depicts an explanatory view illustrating an example of a
region to be highlighted in this case. FIG. 25 illustrates an
example of highlighting in the monitoring domain h.sub.0 similar to
FIG. 24. The region 96 highlighted in an example illustrated in
FIG. 25 is a range not included in a field of any camera. In other
words, the region 96 is a range which is a blind angle for all
cameras. The display control unit 42 performs highlighting likewise
in the monitoring domains h.sub.1 and h.sub.2 illustrated in FIG.
23. As illustrated in FIG. 25, by specifying "0" as the number of
cameras, the user can easily check a range which is a blind angle
for all cameras.
[0156] Further, when performing highlighting, the display control
unit 42 preferably causes the display apparatus to also display a
range in which the obstacle 12 exists.
[0157] Furthermore, when causing the display apparatus to display a
perspective view in which each monitoring domain is arranged in a
three-dimensional space, the display control unit 42 may highlight
a region included in fields of the specified number of cameras in
each monitoring domain.
[0158] Still further, when highlighting the region included in
fields of the specified number of cameras, the field display system
40 may calculate a cover rate which is a ratio of the area of a
region to be highlighted (referred to as a "highlighted region"
below), to the area of the monitoring domain. This definition of
the cover rate is different from the definition of the cover rate
in the second exemplary embodiment and the definition of the cover
rate in the third exemplary embodiment. Although the cover rate
used in the modified example of the fourth exemplary embodiment can
be referred to as "a highlighted display region cover rate", this
cover rate is simply referred to as a "cover rate" for ease of
description.
[0159] FIG. 26 depicts a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
configuration in a case where a cover rate is calculated in the
fourth exemplary embodiment. The same components as those
illustrated in FIG. 18 will be assigned the same reference numerals
as those in FIG. 18 and will not be described.
[0160] The cover rate calculating unit 43 calculates a cover rate
when the display control unit 42 highlights a region included in
fields of the specified number of cameras. Further, the display
control unit 42 causes the display apparatus to display the
calculated cover rate and a monitoring domain to be
highlighted.
[0161] The cover rate calculating unit 43 may calculate a cover
rate per monitoring domain or calculate a cover rate of all of a
plurality of monitoring domains.
[0162] Calculation in a case where the cover rate calculating unit
43 calculates a cover rate per monitoring domain will be described.
When calculating the cover rate per monitoring domain, the cover
rate calculating unit 43 calculates a cover rate by calculating
following equation (3) per monitoring domain.
[ Math . 3 ] Cover rate = Area of highlighted region Area of
monitoring domain Equation ( 3 ) ##EQU00003##
[0163] For example, when calculating the cover rate in the
monitoring domain h.sub.0 illustrated in FIG. 24, the cover rate
calculating unit 43 calculates, as a cover rate, a ratio of the
area of a highlighted region 95 (see FIG. 24) to the area of the
monitoring domain h.sub.0. The cover rate calculating unit 43
calculates the cover rate of the monitoring domain h.sub.1 and the
cover rate of the monitoring domain h.sub.2 likewise.
[0164] In this case, the display control unit 42 causes the display
apparatus to display a cover rate calculated per monitoring domain.
For example, when causing the display apparatus to highlight the
region in each of the monitoring domains h.sub.0 to h.sub.2, the
display control unit 42 only needs to cause the display apparatus
to display a cover rate corresponding to the vicinity of each of
the monitoring domains h.sub.0 to h.sub.2.
[0165] Next, calculation in a case where the cover rate calculating
unit 43 calculates a cover rate of the entirety of a plurality of
monitoring domains will be described. Meanwhile, n+1 monitoring
domains h.sub.0 to h.sub.n are determined. The cover rate
calculating unit 43 calculates a cover rate by calculating
following equation (4).
[ Math . 4 ] Cover rate = .SIGMA. i = 0 n Area of highlighted
region of monitoring domain h i .SIGMA. i = 0 n Area of monitoring
domain h i Equation ( 4 ) ##EQU00004##
[0166] That is, the cover rate calculating unit 43 calculates, as a
cover rate, a ratio of a total sum of the areas of highlighted
regions in each of monitoring domains h.sub.0 to h.sub.n to a total
sum of the areas of the monitoring domains h.sub.0 to h.sub.n.
When, for example, three monitoring domains h.sub.0 to h.sub.2 are
determined, the cover rate calculating unit 43 calculates a total
sum of the area of the highlighted region in the monitoring domain
h.sub.0, the area of a highlighted region in the monitoring domain
h.sub.1, and the area of the highlighted region in the monitoring
domain h.sub.2. The cover rate calculating unit 43 then calculates,
as a cover rate, a ratio of the total sum of the areas of these
highlighted regions to the total sum of the areas of the monitoring
domains h.sub.0 to h.sub.2.
[0167] When the cover rate calculating unit 43 calculates the cover
rate according to equation (4), the number of cover rates to be
calculated is one irrespective of the number of monitoring domains.
The display control unit 42 causes the display apparatus to display
the cover rate.
[0168] Further, in the fourth exemplary embodiment, in step S22,
the display control unit 42 may receive user's specifying of a
camera, and cause the display apparatus to highlight a range which
settles in an image of this camera. For example, the display
control unit 42 causes the display apparatus to display the
monitoring domains h.sub.0 to h.sub.2 as illustrated in FIG. 23.
Further, when, for example, the camera 21 is specified, the display
control unit 42 causes the display apparatus to highlight a range
which settles in an image of the camera 21 as illustrated in FIG.
27. In this case, it is possible to intelligibly present to the
user a range which settles in the image of the specified camera.
Note that, although FIG. 27 highlights the range which settles in
the image of the camera 21, highlighting may be performed by other
methods. Meanwhile, although highlighting a range which settles in
an image of a specified camera has been described as the modified
example of the fourth exemplary embodiment, a range which settles
in an image of a specified camera may be highlighted also in each
of the above exemplary embodiments.
[0169] Note that, although cases have been described in each of the
above exemplary embodiments as examples where the number of
monitoring domains is three and the number of cameras is three, the
number of monitoring domains and that of cameras are not limited to
the numbers described in the above exemplary embodiments.
[0170] Next, main components of the present invention will be
described. FIG. 28 depicts a block diagram illustrating an example
of main components according to the present invention.
[0171] A projecting unit 5 projects a position in an image captured
by a camera, on a plurality of monitoring domains obtained by
moving, in parallel, a region to be monitored which defines a range
to be checked for an image capturing situation of the camera. The
monitoring domain is determined based on the height of a target to
be monitored, an image of which is captured by the camera. The
projecting unit 5 specifies fields of the plurality of monitoring
domains as a range an image of which the camera can capture without
being blocked by an obstacle.
[0172] An integrating unit 6 integrates the fields in the
monitoring domains.
[0173] The display control unit 7 causes the display apparatus to
display an integration result of fields.
[0174] According to this configuration, it is possible to
intelligibly present to a user a range in which a camera can
capture an image of the entire target to be monitored or a certain
part or more of the target to be monitored.
[0175] FIG. 29 depicts a block diagram illustrating another example
of main components according to the present invention. The
projecting unit 5 is the same as the projecting unit 5 illustrated
in FIG. 28, and will not be described.
[0176] The segmenting unit 41 segments each monitoring domain based
on how many fields of cameras each monitoring domain corresponds
to.
[0177] The display control unit 42 causes a display apparatus to
display each monitoring domain such that a region segmented in an
individual monitoring domain is displayed according to a mode which
supports the number of cameras which include the region in the
fields.
[0178] According to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 29, it is
possible to intelligibly present to a user a range in which a
camera can capture an image of the entire target to be monitored or
a certain part or more of the target to be monitored.
Fifth Exemplary Embodiment
[0179] FIG. 30 illustrates a configuration of a field display
system according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. The field display system according to the fifth
exemplary embodiment includes a projecting unit 51 and an output
control unit 53.
[0180] The projecting unit 51 projects a position in an image
captured by a camera, on a plurality of planes determined based on
the height of a target to be monitored, an image of which is
captured by the camera, and specifies fields of the plurality of
planes as a range an image of which can be captured by the
camera.
[0181] The output control unit 53 stereoscopically outputs the
planes the fields of which have been specified. The output control
unit 53 can be referred to as a "stereoimage converting unit". The
output control unit 53 stereoscopically outputs, on a space,
overlaid planes fields of which have been specified, by means of a
hologram, for example. Further, the output control unit 53 may
cause a 3D printer to output, as an object, overlaid planes fields
of which have been specified.
[0182] When the output control unit 53 outputs the planes the
fields of which have been specified, the projecting unit 51 may
project a position in an image captured by the camera, on a
plurality of planes minutely set to a monitoring space, and specify
fields of the plurality of planes as a range an image of which can
be captured by the camera.
[0183] According to the fifth exemplary embodiment, the output
control unit 53 causes, for example, a 3D printer to print each
minutely set plane, and overlays the planes like bricks to be
output, so that the user can stereoscopically check the inside. By
this means, for example, many people can efficiently study a camera
arrangement.
[0184] Further, the field display system according to the present
invention may be configured as illustrated in FIG. 31. The field
display system illustrated in FIG. 31 includes a projecting unit
55, a segmenting unit 56, and an output control unit 57.
[0185] The projecting unit 55 is the same as the projecting unit 51
illustrated in FIG. 30. More specifically, the projecting unit 55
projects a position in an image captured by a camera, on a
plurality of planes determined based on the height of a target to
be monitored, an image of which is captured by the camera, and
specifies fields of the plurality of planes as a range an image of
which can be captured by the camera. For example, the projecting
unit 55 specifies the fields as a range an image of which the
camera can capture without being blocked by an obstacle. Further,
this plane is obtained by moving, in parallel, a region to be
monitored which defines a check target range of an image capturing
situation of the camera.
[0186] The segmenting unit 56 segments each plane based on how many
fields of cameras each plane corresponds to.
[0187] The output control unit 57 outputs each plane to display a
region segmented in an individual plane according to a mode which
supports the number of cameras which include the region in
fields.
[0188] For example, the output control unit 57 may planarly overlay
stereoimages matching the number of cameras which include the
segmented region in the fields to stereoscopically display, on a
space, by means of a hologram. Further, for example, the output
control unit 57 may cause a 3D printer to output, as an object, a
shape obtained by planarly overlaying stereoimages matching the
number of cameras which include the segmented region in the
fields.
[0189] Furthermore, the field display system according to the
present invention may be configured as illustrated in FIG. 32. The
field display system illustrated in FIG. 32 includes a projecting
unit 65, an integrating unit 66, and a display control unit 67. The
projecting unit 65 is the same as the projecting unit 51
illustrated in FIG. 30 and the projecting unit 55 illustrated in
FIG. 31.
[0190] The integrating unit 66 integrates the fields in the planes.
This integration processing may be the same as the integration
processing described above.
[0191] The display control unit 67 causes the display apparatus to
display an integration result of fields.
[0192] Note that, although projection processing or the like is
performed on a monitoring domain obtained by moving a region to be
monitored in parallel, a target subjected to processing of the
present invention is not limited to a monitoring domain. More
specifically, the projecting unit 51 may project a position in an
image captured by the camera, on a plurality of virtual planes on a
space, the images of which can be captured by the camera. In this
case, the plurality of virtual planes may not necessarily be
parallel to a region to be monitored. FIG. 33 illustrates an
example in which a central virtual plane of three virtual planes is
not parallel to the region to be monitored. Projection on virtual
planes as illustrated in FIG. 33 is also included in the present
invention.
[0193] Although a part or entirety of the above exemplary
embodiments can be described as in the following Supplementary
notes, the exemplary embodiments are by no means limited to the
Supplementary notes below.
(Supplementary note 1) A field display system including: projecting
means configured to project a position in an image captured by a
camera, on a plurality of monitoring domains obtained by moving, in
parallel, a region to be monitored which defines a range to be
checked for an image capturing situation of the camera, the
monitoring domain being determined based on a height of a target to
be monitored, an image of which is captured by the camera, and to
specify fields of the plurality of monitoring domains as a range an
image of which the camera captures without being blocked by an
obstacle; integrating means configured to integrate the fields in
the monitoring domains; and display control means configured to
cause a display apparatus to display an integration result of the
fields. (Supplementary note 2) The field display system according
to Supplementary note 1, wherein the integrating means extracts a
region corresponding to a field of each monitoring domain as the
integration result of the fields per camera, and the display
control means causes the display apparatus to display the extracted
region per camera. (Supplementary note 3) The field display system
according to Supplementary note 1, wherein the integrating means
includes field rate calculating means configured to perform, per
camera, processing of calculating a field rate which is a ratio of
the number of monitoring domains, positions of which belong to the
fields, to a total number of monitoring domains, per position
outside a range in the region to be monitored in which the obstacle
exists, and the display control means causes the display apparatus
to display, per camera, a region corresponding to each field rate
in the region to be monitored according to a mode which supports
the field rate. (Supplementary note 4) The field display system
according to Supplementary note 3, wherein the integrating means
includes cover rate calculating means configured to calculate, per
camera, a cover rate which is a ratio of a sum of calculated field
rates, to the number of positions, field rates of which have been
calculated in the region to be monitored, and the display control
means causes the display apparatus to display the cover rate of
each camera. (Supplementary note 5) The field display system
according to Supplementary note 3 or 4, wherein the display control
means causes the display apparatus to highlight a region
corresponding to a field rate falling within a specified numerical
value range. (Supplementary note 6) The field display system
according to Supplementary note 1, wherein the integrating means
includes: field rate calculating means configured to perform, per
camera, processing of calculating a field rate which is a ratio of
the number of monitoring domains, positions of which belong to the
fields, to a total number of monitoring domains, per position
outside a range in the region to be monitored in which the obstacle
exists; and average field rate calculating means configured to
calculate, per position outside the range in the region to be
monitored in which the obstacle exists, an average field rate which
is an average value of field rates of predetermined top rank orders
out of field rates calculated per camera for the position, and the
display control means causes the display apparatus to display a
region corresponding to each average field rate in the region to be
monitored according to a mode which supports the average field
rate. (Supplementary note 7) The field display system according to
Supplementary note 6, wherein the integrating means includes cover
rate calculating means configured to calculate a cover rate which
is a ratio of a sum of calculated average field rates to the number
of positions, field rates of which have been calculated in the
region to be monitored, and the display control means causes the
display apparatus to display the cover rate. (Supplementary note 8)
The field display system according to Supplementary note 6 or 7,
wherein the display control means causes the display apparatus to
highlight a region corresponding to an average field rate falling
within a specified numerical value range. (Supplementary note 9) A
field display system including: projecting means configured to
project a position in an image captured by a camera, on a plurality
of monitoring domains obtained by moving, in parallel, a region to
be monitored which defines a range to be checked for an image
capturing situation of the camera, the monitoring domain being
determined based on a height of a target to be monitored, an image
of which is captured by the camera, and to specify fields of the
plurality of monitoring domains as a range an image of which the
camera captures without being blocked by an obstacle; segmenting
means configured to segment each monitoring domain based on how
many fields of cameras each monitoring domain corresponds to; and
display control means configured to cause the display apparatus to
display each monitoring domain to display a region segmented in an
individual monitoring domain according to a mode which supports the
number of cameras which include the region in the fields.
(Supplementary note 10) The field display system according to
Supplementary note 9, wherein the display control means causes the
display apparatus to arrange and display each monitoring domain as
a top view. (Supplementary note 11) The field display system
according to Supplementary note 9, wherein the display control
means causes the display apparatus to display a perspective view in
which each monitoring domain is arranged in a three-dimensional
space. (Supplementary note 12) The field display system according
to Supplementary note 9 or 11, wherein the display control means
causes the display apparatus to display a perspective view in which
each monitoring domain is arranged in a three-dimensional space,
and a larger three-dimensional object is arranged in the region
segmented in the monitoring domain as the number of cameras which
include the region in the fields is higher. (Supplementary note 13)
The field display system according to any one of Supplementary
notes 9 to 12, wherein the display control means causes the display
apparatus to highlight a region included in fields of a specified
number of cameras. (Supplementary note 14) The field display system
according to Supplementary note 13, further including: cover rate
calculating means configured to calculate a cover rate which is a
ratio of an area of the highlighted region to an area of a
monitoring domain, wherein the display control means causes the
display apparatus to display the cover rate. (Supplementary note
15) The field display system according to Supplementary note 14,
wherein the cover rate calculating means calculates the cover rate
per monitoring domain, and the display control means causes the
display apparatus to display the cover rate of each monitoring
domain. (Supplementary note 16) The field display system according
to Supplementary note 14, wherein the cover rate calculating means
calculates, as the cover rate, a ratio of a total sum of areas of
regions highlighted in the monitoring domains, to a total sum of
areas of the monitoring domains, and the display control means
causes the display apparatus to display the cover rate.
(Supplementary note 17) A field display system including:
projecting means configured to project a position in an image
captured by a camera, on a plurality of planes determined based on
a height of a target to be monitored, an image of which is captured
by the camera, and to specify fields of the plurality of planes as
a range an image of which is captured by the camera; integrating
means configured to integrate the fields in the planes; and display
control means configured to cause a display apparatus to display an
integration result of the fields. (Supplementary note 18) The field
display system according to Supplementary note 17, wherein the
plane is obtained by moving, in parallel, a region to be monitored
which defines a range to be checked for an image capturing
situation of the camera. (Supplementary note 19) The field display
system according to Supplementary note 17 or 18, wherein the
projecting means specifies fields as a range an image of which the
camera captures without being blocked by an obstacle.
(Supplementary note 20) A field display system including:
projecting means configured to project a position in an image
captured by a camera, on a plurality of planes determined based on
a height of a target to be monitored, an image of which is captured
by the camera, and to specify fields of the plurality of planes as
a range an image of which is captured by the camera; and output
control means configured to stereoscopically output the planes the
fields of which have been specified. (Supplementary note 21) The
field display system according to Supplementary note 20, wherein
the output control means stereoscopically displays, on a space,
overlaid planes the fields of which are specified. (Supplementary
note 22) The field display system according to Supplementary note
20, wherein the output control means causes a 3D printer to output,
as an object, overlaid planes the fields of which are specified.
(Supplementary note 23) A field display system including:
projecting means configured to project a position in an image
captured by a camera, on a plurality of planes determined based on
a height of a target to be monitored, an image of which is captured
by the camera, and to specify fields of the plurality of planes as
a range an image of which is captured by the camera; segmenting
means configured to segment each plane based on how many fields of
cameras each plane corresponds to; and output control means
configured to output each plane to display a region segmented in an
individual plane according to a mode which supports the number of
cameras which include the region in the fields. (Supplementary note
24) The field display system according to Supplementary note 23,
wherein the plane is obtained by moving, in parallel, a region to
be monitored which defines a range to be checked for an image
capturing situation of the camera. (Supplementary note 25) The
field display system according to Supplementary note 23 or 24,
wherein the projecting means specifies fields as a range an image
of which the camera captures without being blocked by an obstacle.
(Supplementary note 26) The field display system according to any
one of Supplementary notes 23 to 25, wherein the output control
means planarly overlays and stereoscopically displays, on a space,
stereoimages, the number of which corresponds to the number of
cameras which include the segmented region in the fields.
(Supplementary note 27) The field display system according to any
one of Supplementary notes 23 to 25, wherein the output control
means causes a 3D printer to output, as an object, a shape obtained
by planarly overlaying stereoimages, the number of which
corresponds to the number of cameras which include the segmented
region in the fields.
[0194] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-267552 filed on
Dec. 6, 2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
[0195] Although the present invention has been described above with
reference to the exemplary embodiments, the present invention is by
no means limited to the above exemplary embodiments. Configurations
and details of the present invention can be variously changed
within a scope of the present invention those skilled in the art
can understand.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0196] The present invention is suitably applied to a field display
system which specifies a field of a camera that can capture an
image of a target to be monitored well and displays this field.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0197] 5 Projecting unit [0198] 6, 6a, 6b Integrating unit [0199]
7, 42 Display control unit [0200] 41 Segmenting unit [0201] 61
Field rate calculating unit [0202] 62 Average field rate
calculating unit [0203] 43, 63a, 63b Cover rate calculating
unit
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